Shaoshang Point (LU-11 / Metal Sound, also known as Guixin)
Clears heat and removes toxicity, clears the lung and benefits the throat, revives the brain and opens the orifices.
Indications
Influenza, tonsillitis, syncope, infantile convulsions, febrile diseases, heatstroke with vomiting. (1) Throat disorders: Acute tonsillitis, acute pharyngitis, acute laryngitis, sore throat, cough. (2) Emergency: Stroke, coma, manic/psychotic disorders, syncope, infantile convulsions. (3) Others: Fever, epistaxis, carbon monoxide poisoning, finger numbness, etc.
Precise Location
Located on the Lung Meridian, on the radial side of the thumb, 0.1 cun lateral to the corner of the thumbnail.
Location Method
Extend the thumb, lightly hold it with the index and middle fingers of the other hand, bend the thumb of the other hand, and press vertically with the thumbnail tip at the edge of the nail corner.
Massage Method
① Massage: Firmly press and pinch with the thumb tip. ② Moxibustion: For mental confusion with incoherent speech, apply direct moxa cone. Press vertically into the point with the thumbnail tip – a stinging sensation will occur. Apply to both left and right hands alternately for 1–3 minutes per side per session. Therapeutic actions: Releases the exterior and clears heat, benefits the throat, rescues the patient and opens the orifices.
Compatibility
Influenza: Combine with Yingxiang (LI-20) and Shaoshang (LU-11). Disease overview: Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus, transmitted via airborne droplets, person-to-person contact, or contact with contaminated objects. Typical symptoms include sudden high fever, generalized body pain, marked fatigue, and mild respiratory symptoms. Massage sequence: First, lightly clench both fists, use the dorsal side of the bent thumbs to massage the sides of the nasal alae up and down until local redness and warmth appear, then pinch Shaoshang 30 times. Sore throat: Combine with Hegu (LI-4), Shaoshang (LU-11), Renying (ST-9), and Yuji (LU-10). Infantile convulsions: Combine with Wuchu (BL-5), Zhigou (TE-6), and Shaoshang (LU-11). Jaundice: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34), Zhongfeng (LR-4), Qimen (LR-14), and Shaoshang (LU-11). Sore throat due to external wind-heat: Combine with Tiantu (RN-22), Hegu (LI-4), and Quchi (LI-11). Sore throat due to lung-stomach heat accumulation: Combine with Neiting (ST-44) and Chize (LU-5). Epistaxis: Combine with Dazhui (GV-14) and Shangxing (GV-23). Mental disorders: Combine with Renzhong (GV-26), Hegu (LI-4), and Taichong (LR-3). Carbon monoxide poisoning: Combine with Shaochong (HT-9). Manic/psychotic disorders and intractable vomiting: Combine with Laogong (PC-8) and Yongquan (KI-1). Infantile convulsions: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26) and Yongquan (KI-1). Thirst due to yin deficiency: Combine with Quze (PC-3). Stroke with coma (Yang-closure pattern): Combine with Renzhong (GV-26), Zhongchong (PC-9), and Guanchong (TE-1).
Efficacy & Actions
Shaoshang belongs to the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian and is the Jing-Well point where the meridian qi emerges. It clears the lung and relieves pain, releases the exterior and reduces fever. It is a key point for throat disorders and a commonly used point for emergency treatment. Prick bleeding is the frequently used clinical technique. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Shao" means small or initial; "Shang" is one of the five ancient musical tones (Gong, Shang, Jue, Zhi, Yu) and corresponds to the Metal element. The Lung corresponds to Metal and to the Shang tone in the five-tone system. This is the terminal point of the Lung meridian, where the meridian qi is small and insufficient, and as the Jing-Well point where qi emerges – the source and origin of meridian qi – it is named Shaoshang. It is also known as "Guixin." Winter and spring are peak seasons for influenza. Regardless of age, exposure to temperature changes or a slight wind-cold invasion may trigger continuous sneezing, and in severe cases, tearing and rhinorrhea – affecting both appearance and daily life. Frequent pinching and pressing of Shaoshang can help. (1) Specific Point for Throat Disorders: The throat is the gateway of the lung. When lung and stomach heat ascends to the throat, it causes sore throat and swelling. Pricking this point to release blood can produce rapid and remarkable effects. Numerous ancient records support this: the Waitai Miyao states: "For emergency throat, pharyngeal, and tongue diseases, prick the area behind the nail of the thumb on the affected side to release blood – recovery follows immediately." The Illustrated Manual of Acupoints on the Bronze Figure states: "Shaoshang ... prick with a three-edged needle to release a small amount of blood, draining the heat of the viscera; moxibustion is not suitable." The Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion records: "Acute tonsillitis is rarely cured by medicine alone; gold needle treatment is required. Once blood is released from Shaoshang, the patient immediately stabilizes and the danger passes." Its efficacy for throat disorders has been well-established for centuries. (2) Common Point for Epistaxis (Nosebleeds): Nosebleeds often arise from wind-heat invading the lung, excessive consumption of spicy foods with gastrointestinal heat accumulation, or liver depression transforming into fire – all causing heat to scorch the meridians and force blood to move recklessly. Needling Shaoshang to release a small amount of blood cools the blood and stops bleeding, especially effective for excess patterns. Clinically often combined with Shangxing (GV-23). (3) Emergency/Resuscitation Effects: As the Jing-Well point, like the source of a spring where qi initially moves and develops, it can become easily blocked. Purging this point can open the orifices and restore consciousness – a key emergency point for sudden mental changes and coma in Yang-closure patterns. Jing-Well points primarily treat "diseases in the viscera" and "fullness below the heart," and can be used for stroke, coma, shock, manic/psychotic disorders, and infantile convulsions.
Contraindications
This point has strong stimulation and should be used with caution in pregnant women. Moxibustion is generally not recommended for this point; both the Shengji Zonglu and Zhenjiu Zisheng Jing state "moxibustion is contraindicated." Clinical application should exercise caution, and scarring moxibustion is especially prohibited.
